What 21st Century Insurance is and who it serves
21st Century Insurance is a car insurance company owned by Farmers Insurance Group. It sells auto insurance policies in most U.S. states, though not all — availability depends on where you live. The company focuses on offering lower-cost policies, particularly to drivers who have had accidents, traffic violations, or lapses in coverage, which makes it an option when other insurers have turned you down.
Unlike some insurers that only serve drivers with clean records, 21st Century will quote people with driving history issues. This means you might find a rate there when mainstream companies won't insure you at all. The trade-off is that rates for high-risk drivers are still higher than they would be for someone with no violations.
Key Takeaways
- 21st Century is a subsidiary of Farmers Insurance and specializes in insuring drivers with accidents, violations, or coverage gaps on their record.
- You can get a quote online, by phone, or through an agent, and the company offers both liability-only and full-coverage policies.
- Your rate depends on your driving history, age, location, vehicle type, and the coverage limits you choose — not all factors matter equally.
- The company is available in most states but not all, so check their website to confirm service in your area before requesting a quote.
- Bundling auto insurance with home or renters insurance through Farmers can lower your overall cost.
How to get a quote from 21st Century
You can request a quote three ways: online at 21stcenturyinsurance.com, by phone at 1-800-CENTURY-1, or through a local agent. The online quote takes about 10 to 15 minutes and asks for your driver's license number, vehicle information, and current or past coverage details. You do not have to buy anything to get a quote — it is free and comes with no obligation.
When you call or visit an agent, you will answer the same questions, but a person walks you through them. Some people prefer this if they have questions about what different coverage types mean or want to discuss their specific situation. Agents can also bundle policies if you have home or renters insurance, which can lower your total cost.
Have your driver's license, vehicle registration, and current insurance information (if you have it) ready before you start. If you are switching from another insurer, knowing your current limits and deductibles helps you compare apples to apples.
What affects your rate
21st Century calculates your rate using several factors. Your driving history — accidents, violations, and how long ago they happened — is the biggest one. A violation from five years ago costs less than one from last year. Age matters too; drivers under 25 and over 65 typically pay more. Where you live, your vehicle type, and how much you drive all factor in.
The coverage limits and deductible you choose directly change your price. Liability limits (the amount the company pays if you cause an accident) come in different tiers — you pick how much coverage you want. A higher deductible (the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in) lowers your monthly premium but means you pay more if you have a claim. A lower deductible raises your premium but costs you less when something happens.
21st Century also offers discounts for things like bundling policies, paying in full upfront, maintaining continuous coverage, and completing a defensive driving course. Ask about all available discounts when you get your quote, because they can add up.
Types of coverage 21st Century offers
21st Century sells two main types of auto insurance: liability-only and full coverage. Liability-only covers damage you cause to someone else's car or property, and medical bills for injuries you cause. It does not cover damage to your own vehicle. This is the cheapest option and is what most states legally require you to carry.
Full coverage (also called comprehensive and collision) adds protection for your own car. Collision covers damage from accidents. Comprehensive covers theft, weather, vandalism, and hitting an animal. Full coverage is usually required if you have a loan or lease on your vehicle, because the lender wants to protect their investment.
You can also add optional coverage like uninsured motorist protection (covers you if hit by someone with no insurance) and medical payments coverage (pays your medical bills regardless of who caused the accident). Each option changes your rate, so think about what protection matters most to you.
Checking if 21st Century serves your state
21st Century does not operate in every state. The company is licensed in most states but has gaps in coverage — some states have restrictions on how insurers can use driving history, which affects whether 21st Century can do business there. Before spending time on a quote, check their website or call 1-800-CENTURY-1 to confirm they serve your address.
If 21st Century does not serve your state, you have other options for drivers with driving history issues. Companies like Acceptance Insurance, Bristol West, and National General also specialize in high-risk drivers. Your state's insurance commissioner's office can also point you toward insurers licensed in your state.
What happens after you buy a policy
Once you purchase a policy, 21st Century sends you a proof of insurance document (sometimes called a declarations page) that you keep in your car. This is what you show a police officer if you are pulled over. You can also access your policy and make changes online through your account or by calling customer service.
If you have an accident or need to file a claim, you can report it online, by phone, or through the mobile app. The company has a network of approved repair shops, though you can use any shop you choose — you may just pay more out of pocket if you go outside the network. Claims typically take two to four weeks to settle, depending on the damage and whether there are disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 21st Century insure drivers with a suspended license?
No. You must have a valid driver's license to purchase a policy. If your license is suspended, you will need to resolve that with your state's DMV before any insurer will cover you. Once your license is reinstated, 21st Century will consider your process.
Can I cancel my policy anytime, or are there penalties?
You can cancel anytime, but some states allow insurers to charge a cancellation fee if you cancel mid-term. The fee amount varies by state — some states cap it, others do not. Ask about cancellation terms when you purchase, or check your policy documents.
What if I have not had insurance for a while?
A lapse in coverage (going without insurance) raises your rate because insurers see it as higher risk. 21st Century will still quote you, but expect to pay more than someone with continuous coverage. The longer the gap, the higher the impact on your rate.
Does 21st Century offer roadside information?
Yes, roadside information is available as an add-on. It covers things like towing, lockouts, and fuel delivery. It is not included in your base policy, so you choose whether to add it when you purchase or later through your account.
How do I lower my rate after I buy a policy?
Ask about discounts you may not have received at purchase — defensive driving course discounts, low-mileage discounts, and safety feature discounts. Bundling with home or renters insurance through Farmers also lowers your total cost. As your driving record improves over time, your rate will drop too.